The unknown can be a frightening thing. When we can't find a reasonable explanation for life-shattering events, we often take comfort in creating the explanations ourselves. Fabricating narratives to explain natural disasters such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions can give us a sense of control over our lives and the world around us. These stories may use unreliable evidence or hearsay to build their details. But they can nevertheless be an empowering tool that reveals truths about our shared experiences as a species.
The indigenous groups of the Pacific Northwest have a number of colourful stories about the region. The Thunderbird is an important figure, often appearing as a benevolent force. One Quileute tale tells of how the Thunderbird fought a dangerous whale that was causing a famine. The whale ate all of the other creatures in the sea, starving the Quileute. They didn't even have a morsel to eat. This fight created deadly waves before the Thunderbird was successful. This story may be based on a 1700 earthquake. The seismic waves must have felt like a battle between gods. The earthquake dislodged enough water to create a tsunami that could be felt as far away as Japan.
Across the Pacific ocean, Japan has its own tales in which animalistic deities rule the forces of nature. Namazu the earthshaker is a giant catfish that lives under Japan. Kashima is a god who holds a stone over Namazu to keep it still. Occasionally Kashima slips, and Namazu is able to shake its feelers or tail. These rumblings are felt as earthquakes on the ground above. In reality, Japan is a crossroads for tectonic plates, which can explain its history of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
On May 18th, 1980, Mt. Saint Helens erupted, resulting in the deadliest volcanic event in U.S. history. However, Crater Lake in nearby Oregon is the result of a volcanic eruption over 40 times more explosive than the famous 1980 event. It took place 7,700 years ago, but geologists have found clues in the area to piece together the story. The Klamath tribe tells a legend of a battle between gods on this site. Initially, Llao, the god of the underworld, lived here, in a mountain called Mazama. The sky god Skell fought and defeated Llao, sending him back to the underworld. During the battle, fire and brimstone could be seen streaking between the mountains in the area. Skell then smote the mountain's ruin upon Llao, entrapping him forever.
You may have heard of the ancient utopian civilization Atlantis. Theories abound as to whether it existed and what cataclysm led to its disappearance below the waters. Some archaeologists believe that it was the result of a volcanic eruption as well. This theory equates Atlantis with the Minoan empire. The volcanic eruption destroyed the core of the island of Thera. This sent a tsunami over much of Crete, wiping out the civilization.
Legends don't all have to feature destruction, however. There are also old tales about real-life creations that can fill us with awe. The Ramayana is an Indian epic story. It too features conflict between gods. In the story, Ravana, the demon king, kidnaps Sita, a princess. Her husband Rama, embarks on a journey to Ravana's island home, Lanka. He enlists the aid of an ape army to build a bridge to connect India to Lanka. This limestone bridge can still be seen between India and the archipelago of islands north of Sri Lanka.
The Great Flood narrative has undergone multiple renditions across cultures. Greek mythology tells of Deucalion and Pyrrha. The Bible tells of Noah's Ark. Both of these stories likely derive from the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. This story has inspired the heroic sagas of other cultures as well. The Great Flood story could be based on a few different historic flood events. The most likely one is when the Mediterranean Sea flooded into the Black Sea over 11,000 years ago. After a long period in which the two seas were separated by dry land, this event could have seemed like the gods had flooded the entire world.
What ancient tales do you know of? Do you believe them?